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How to Say "calling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llamando

yah-MAHN-dohʝaˈman.do

VerbA1Informal
Use this form when referring to the action of speaking to someone on the phone.
A friendly cartoon character holding a simple red telephone receiver up to their ear, engaged in a conversation.

Examples

¿Quién está llamando a estas horas?

Who is calling at this hour?

Están llamando a los niños para la cena.

They are calling the children for dinner.

Aún no he terminado; sigo llamando a los clientes.

I haven't finished yet; I'm still calling the clients.

Continuous Action

The word 'llamando' is a special verb form (the gerund) used with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy llamando' means 'I am calling'.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy llamando.”

Correction: Estoy llamando. Remember that the continuous action (the 'ing' form) always uses the temporary verb 'estar'.

vocación

NounB1Formal
This word describes a strong inner feeling or urge to pursue a particular career or way of life.

Examples

Desde pequeña supe que mi verdadera vocación era la enseñanza.

Since I was little, I knew my true calling was teaching.

llamado

ya-MA-doʎaˈma.ðo

NounB2Formal
Use this noun to refer to a life's purpose or a strong sense of destiny, often in a professional or spiritual context.
A figure standing on a dark, winding path, looking toward a powerful, singular beam of golden light shining down from the sky, symbolizing a life's calling or vocation.

Examples

Desde joven sintió el llamado de la medicina.

From a young age, he felt the calling of medicine.

La organización hizo un llamado a la solidaridad internacional.

The organization made an appeal for international solidarity.

Phone Call vs. Life Purpose

The most common mistake is using a noun like 'llamado' or 'vocación' when you simply mean someone is on the phone. Remember, 'llamando' (the gerund) is for the action of calling someone with a phone.

Related Translations

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